The latest issue of BASF’s Coatings Partner e-journal is devoted to the topic of sustainability and how to measure it. It also presents innovative products and coating processes. As of now, the German and English editions of the electronic customer magazine are available on the internet at www.coatings partner.com. The Spanish, French and Chinese editions will also be available there shortly.

BASF joined forces with paintline manufacturer Dürr to conduct a comprehensive Eco-Efficiency Analysis for automotive OEM coatings, and the results are described in the e-journal. In addition, this issue focuses on the use of BASF’s coatings and paints in growth markets, such as Russia, Turkey and China.

“Sustainability is a pivotal subject of our time. The definitions are many, and implications are far reaching. As the industry-leading global supplier of paints and coatings, we have the unique position to use the power of chemistry as a driver for a more sustainable world,” said Juan Carlos Ordoñez, senior vice president, coatings solutions in North America.

Thanks to BASF’s support, Hyundai in St. Petersburg was the first car manufacturer in Russia to introduce waterborne basecoats. In Shanghai, BASF is building a new basecoat plant that features environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and technologies and is scheduled to be put in operation in 2014. Turkey is currently also considered to be a highly attractive market. Coil coatings applications for aluminum and steel panels are becoming more significant there, as highlighted in the new Coatings Partner.

As part of a cooperation, Glasurit, BASF’s premium brand, is supporting the world’s largest car museum, located in the French city of Mulhouse, with the restoration of its vehicles. In an interview, Glasurit brand manager Ignacio Cabrera and Richard Keller, head curator of the Cité de l’Automobile – Collection Schlumpf, describe their successful collaboration.

Glasurit’s new lime-yellow basecoat color, which expands 90 Line’s range of waterborne refinish products, stimulates the joy of experimenting. The trend for unusual and individual colors is also reflected in decorative paints. With Suvinil, BASF is offering innovative products, such as antibacterial paints, in South America for individual treatment of one’s own home.